Governor of North Dakota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor of North Dakota |
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Standard of the governor
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Seal of the governor of North Dakota
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| Government of North Dakota | |
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| Residence | North Dakota Governor's Residence |
| Term length | 4 years, renewable once |
| Inaugural holder | John Miller |
| Formation | November 20, 1889 |
| Deputy | Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota |
| Salary | $135,360 (2020) |
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The governor of North Dakota is like the main boss of the state government. They are in charge of making sure North Dakota runs smoothly and that its laws are followed. The governor also leads the state's military forces, like the North Dakota National Guard.
The Constitution of North Dakota says that the governor has the "executive power." This means they are the chief executive of the state. Their job is to make sure the state's business is managed well and that all laws are carried out properly.
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Becoming Governor: What It Takes
To become the governor of North Dakota, a person needs to meet certain requirements. These rules are found in the state's constitution.
Who Can Be Governor?
To be eligible for the job, a person must be able to vote in North Dakota. They must also be at least 30 years old on election day. Plus, they need to have lived in the state for five years right before the election.
When Are Elections Held?
The election for governor usually happens at the same time as the U.S. presidential election. This is on the first Tuesday of November in even-numbered years, every four years. The next election for governor in North Dakota is planned for November 7, 2028.
Meet the Current Governor
The current governor of North Dakota is Kelly Armstrong. He is a member of the Republican Party. Governor Armstrong started his term on December 15, 2024.
Working with the Lieutenant Governor
In North Dakota, the governor and the lieutenant governor are elected together. This means they run as a team on a single ballot.
When you vote, you cast one vote for both positions. You cannot choose a governor from one political party and a lieutenant governor from another. They are always paired up.
Governor's Important Jobs
Besides leading the state's executive branch, the governor has other key responsibilities. They can approve or reject new laws. They can also call the Legislative Assembly (the state's lawmaking body) together for special meetings if there's an emergency.
The governor also serves as the chairman of the North Dakota Industrial Commission. This group helps manage some of the state's important industries.
How Long Does a Governor Serve?
A governor is elected by people across the entire state. They serve a term of four years.
When Does a Governor's Term Start?
A governor's regular term officially begins on December 15 after the November election. Their term then lasts for exactly four years, ending on December 15 four years later. For example, the next governor will start their term on December 15, 2028.
Special Inauguration Dates
Sometimes, a governor might start their term on a different date. This can happen if the governor's office becomes empty unexpectedly. For instance, if a governor resigns or passes away while in office. In one case, a governor had to leave office early due to a legal issue.
Inaugural celebrations, like special balls, often happen on the day the governor officially takes office. However, sometimes the celebration is held later. For example, Governor Kelly Armstrong's formal celebration was in January 2025, even though he started his term in December 2024. This was done to avoid the busy holiday season.
Term Limits for Governors
In November 2022, voters in North Dakota approved a new rule. This rule says that a person can only serve two four-year terms as governor in their lifetime.
This new rule only applies to governors elected after November 2022. Before this, there was no limit to how many terms a governor could serve.
The governor who served the longest was William L. Guy. He was governor for 12 years, from 1961 to 1973. John Hoeven is the second longest-serving governor, from 2000 to 2010.
Serving More Than Once
It is possible for a governor to serve terms that are not back-to-back. William Langer is the only governor in North Dakota who has done this.
The Governor's Home
The official home for the governor is the North Dakota Governor's Residence. It is located in Bismarck, the state capital.
More About North Dakota's Governors
See also
- North Dakota
- Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota
- North Dakota State Legislature
